Challenges, Opportunities, and Best Practices in Overseas Buying Trips: An Interview Study Focusing on South Asia Specialists

Abstract

Overseas buying trips are a way that area specialist librarians acquire unique international materials. They may also provide other opportunities and benefits to individuals and institutions. This qualitative study, based on interviews with nine South Asia-area specialist librarians, attempts to examine the challenges, benefits, and opportunities in overseas buying trips and establish a set of best practices guidelines. Although this study is grounded in the South Asia context, the best practices may be applicable in other contexts to help librarians plan effective overseas acquisitions trips.